Jail to move inmates for electrical repairs

POSTED:July 18, 2014 7:59 a.m.

ALTAMONT, Tenn. (AP) — An eastern Tennessee jail is emptying its cells after several inmates were shocked because of electrical problems.

Grundy County Mayor Lonnie Cleek says a contractor needs unfettered access to the 1970s-era building and to be able to turn the power off as needed while making repairs. A state inspection found problems at the building that needed immediate fixing.

Cleek told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that inmates were moved to other counties while the work took place.

The jail, built in 1973, and hasn't been certified by the state since the 1990s.

Conditions have not improved much since more than $100,000 was spent on fixes a couple of years ago to keep inspectors at bay while officials work toward a replacement jail.